Thursday, May 27, 2010

Thankful Thursday



Today was an inservice at school and it was a Health Wellness Day. We had stations to attend and learn about healthy food, exercise, how to take better care of yourself, etcetcetc. Every station you attended you could earn a ticket. Then there were drawings at the end of the day general gathering of staff. ME...who doesn't play the lottery or buys raffle tickets unless for good causes...won an IPod Shuffle!! First words out of my mouth......"Oh boy, Darb will have to figure this thing out!" I'm not REAL electronically minded. It's cute as a button and I'll really enjoy it....working in the garden, going for walks, riding in the car while my hubby listens to Talk Radio!!!!!!! So girlfriends....I'm sure most of you are more up to date and have one of these contraptions already!! Now I'm curious...what's playing on your IPOD?????? I'm a 70's girl so those oldies will be requested by me as well as some George Strait, a little motown, and some good ole love songs!! No rap thank you very much!!
What a nice surprise and I'm very thankful and grateful.



Stop by Carrie's blog at Farming on Faith. She's got a great Giveaway that goes along great with my topic of the day!! A Belly Burner!! YIPPEE! :0)


The Belly Burner is made out of a high quality neoprene fabric, which you’ve seen in wetsuits. This type of fabric naturally generates more heat in your core, which increases metabolic rate, the belt focuses energy, and burns off unwanted inches. You can wear it during your normal daily activities to help squeeze away the calories, but it’s supposed to be even more effective if worn during your daily exercise routine. It really only works when you are moving!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

School's Out!!!



School's out


School's out


Teachers let the monkeys out!!




That's what my 3rd graders sang out as I released them into the big world of 4th grade today. It was a fun, tiring. and maybe a little bit of a sad day. I've been with these little creatures for 9 months and spent 35 hours a week with them. Some days tried my patience, some days I laughed my head off!! I will miss them and I was showered with wonderful "goodbye" gifts. A few of the kiddos didn't want to leave...to them "school" is more fun and if truth be told probably a more loving and safe place where they get their little bellies full than home. That makes me very sad to think about. I have fond memories of these unique little people. Today was Field Day and it was fun walking around watching this kids play the games. They loved taking turns carrying my lawn chair and being my helper. As we traveled from event to event I told them to follow me..."I am your Momma Hen and you are my chicks, now don't stray from me!" One of them said after a few events, "Can you be a Duck and us your ducklings for a while? Sure, why not!!


God bless these little peeps...they will hold a special place in my heart!!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Thankful Thursday

It has rained and rained and rained. It has been cloudy and dreary. It is soppy, slushy, and soaked out there. I have been walking to school barefooted for two weeks. I have to walk across my yard to get to work and any shoes I wear are completely soaked if I wear them, so off come the shoes, roll my pant legs up and away I go. Despite all this ... rain is a blessing from God. So as I make my mental list of blessings, rain is on it. Every day there
is not enough time to count all of our blessings. Have you ever sat and wrote them down....I have done that exercise but I think I should keep it posted to look at on a regular basis. We have so many earthly blessings, but the greatest blessing is to come....What a Day That Will Be!!
Ephesians 1:2-4 (King James Version)

2Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Great Giveaway at Farming on Faith!!!

Carrie's giving away a cool little gadget Friday on her blog!!

Here's her preview!! Take it away Miss Carrie!!!

I am excited to do this review. Have you heard about the Grill Daddy? Well let me tell you about it.
The Grill Daddy (www.grilldaddy.net) is a grill-cleaning tool that sanitizes grills and eliminates the burnt on food, grease and dirt. Cleaning grills can be a difficult and time-consuming task but the alternative is far worse. Unwashed racks can house bacteria that could contaminate food and leave an unsanitary and bad taste on food.
Utilizing specially designed stainless-steel brushes, the Grill Daddy releases water as users brush. The water hits the grill and turns to steam while rinsing away unsanitary debris.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Check out Prairie Flower Farm Giveaway!


Go visit Linda at Prairie Flower Farm and sign up for her cute giveaway of some really good stuff!!


Hello everyone!

It is raining outside here so that means I am in the house. I have wanted to get up the little gift idea I had for you last Friday, but you who follow know we had computer problems and lots of little babies hatching. Soooooo I thought for fun we would have a little party giveaway! Starting today and ending on, Monday May 24th! I can't send the jam overseas, but I can send the little scone bag and mix. Sorry!

Monday, May 17, 2010

The Smell of the Day

Cilantro makes me happy....Fresh cilantro is one of my all time favorite smells. I have not had the time to put in my "erb" garden. I have been too busy....so I saw this pot at Wally World that had a lot of my favorites and I bought it. I brought it home and repotted it. BUT it did not have cilantro in it. So I bought a separate pot of it and will add it in.
I have a little obsession with it actually. I stand in the produce section and "sniff" it. Yes I do. And I don't care if people stare! Others may sniff illegally, but mine is wholesome and good. It is one of my "bestest" smells. I think I'll make a post about my top favorite smells. This might just be #1....I'm going to ponder that one. Alot of herbs actually rate pretty high on my list!
So, I'm curious....what is your favorite scent????????


Sunday, May 16, 2010

Congrats!!! You did it!!

Turn up music at the bottom of my page to get the full effect of this blog!!!! :)Sisters


Strat and Darb


Dad and Dad in Law

Cozy Cookout

The Grads


Yum Yum Yum!!!


A lovely day for a graduation! A little rain can't stop momma!



Congrats Gardener Guy



Smile for a photo op


Congrats L




Lining up for Processional




Congratulations Lacey and Blake!

We are so proud of you and so happy for you! My little girl (well she's 22) has graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education... Summa cum laude (just have to brag a little on my baby) and B graduated with a Bachelor in Agriculture (Horticulture).

They began their day very early getting ready for their day.They did a great job hosting a party! L's grad was at 11:00 a.m. and then we ran over to B's house for a quick intake of food and a change of gowns from L to B. The funny part of this short time is that we lost ANOTHER family member! You'll have to go to Darb's blog to read her hilarious story of being the lost child a few days ago. Auntie J didn't show up for the lunch and we waited and we waited and then OOPS, there she is driving by....oh she must be parking! We waited and we waited! Hummmm where could she be....WELL, she and Doc's wires were "crossed" (ahem....D and L's wiring must be on the same circuit) and so she is driving around looking for a house that she doesn't know where it is and waiting at a sorority house where she thought she was going to get picked up at to be escorted to the house she was supposed to be at.....she found a familiar face across the street and called Doc ...and oh my, let's just say that when she did show up, I've never seen 2 cupcakes devoured as fast as this woman did!!!!!! Stress does that to a woman!
Then all was well and we ventured back to B's graduation, then back to the house for a fabulous cookout. What a blast! Weather was not real cooperative as it was chilly and drizzly, but a cozy garage provided fun and food. OH NO...the day's not over. Then we went to L's apartment and loaded up the rest of her belongings and B's family loaded up the rest of his belongings. L headed to her good friend's Bachelorette Party and I think Daddy, D and I rolled into home around 10:30 p.m. and L made it home around midnight. Whew!
We don't have any family graduating from high school but we have about 4 friends parties to attend to tonight. This time of year is always very hectic with graduations and end of year activities, but wowie wow wow...I'm a tuckered out ole' bird.


So here's to you B and L!!! You both have completed a major accomplishment of earning degrees and now have secured jobs. You will soon become a married couple and begin a new chapter of your lives. Oh mercy me, I'm going to cry again. I didn't do so well at the ceremony....does Pomp and Circumstance just about put you in a fetal position? Even if I don't know a soul graduating, I break down! Some say with age comes beauty or some say with age comes wisdom...I say with age comes a flood of emotions. (Mommas out there, are you with me?) My family is becoming accustomed to this behavior out of me...I think the general comment is "Oh brother, mom's bawling again!"



Commencements are "beginnings" after all. Commencements are celebrations. These two are so blessed by God and we are so proud that they have always kept God first in their individual lives. Beginnings can be scary and frightening but these two are going to do great things together.

Awesome Achievement
Your college graduation
Fills us with love and pride.
We always knew that you could do
Whatever you really tried.
It's a long and challenging journey
To get a college degree,
But you wouldn't quit it, you just went and did it,
And we're beaming affectionately.
Your achievement is awesome, Lacey and Blake,
You've worked hard and you've passed the test.
We love you so, and we want you to know,
We think you're the very best!


By Joanna Fuchs


Okay, okay, I didn't write it but even though Joanna wrote it....it's from Mom and Dad's heart! :0)





Joshua 24:15 (King James Version)
15And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.


Well, that milestone has now been reached....check... now it's on to a wedding!!

Deep breath....here I go!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Thankful Thursday

Now this is a Thankful Thursday....
Homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookes fresh out of the oven!! Darb and I had fun eating the dough ...er....I mean baking them today after school.




My new love! Knockout Roses!! You cannot kill them!! They are my bestest friend!





My All Time...if I only get one choice....flower....Miss Impatiens!!!


Last night we were blessed with a night of rain, (Alot of rolling thunder, lightning and winds too) but a nice rain. I love sleeping and hearing the sound of a soft rain. The sun is peeking out now and so it is a welcome sight. The drab and drear can really start to pull down the spring in your step. Do you ever notice how the green grass is always a little greener after a rain?


This is one happy camper!! A bag of grass seed or fertilizer or weed and feed and a good rain!! Oh yea! He is doing the happy dance...you just can't tell it!

When we can't find Daddy, he is generally outside looking at grass!

A man and his fertilizer bag....now doesn't that make a woman's heart just go pitter patter?
This year I have a monocolor scheme going on and it's a very pretty color....it's very consistent all around my house! I normally do all colors everywhere with no rhyme or reason most of the time, but this year "Hillcrest Estate" is coral and salmon.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Happy Sweet Sixteenth Birthday Darbey Rhea

























Ooooohhhh this one hurts a little!! My baby is 16!! Ouchy!! She is still the size of a 13 year old or so and cute as a button so her Daddy still tries to rock her.
At a family wedding a few years ago, her cousin's boyfriend even asked:
"Is your cousin really big for her age?"
"Uh, no she's actually really small for her age!"
"Oh, I thought she was a really tall 2nd grader."
"No honey, she's a really small 7th grader!"

Her sister affectionately calls her Baby Lisa (from Dog the Bounty Hunter) because she always gets to be the gopher, get me this, do this, bring this tool for this job.

All 4 of my offspring had interesting stories when they were born so I'm sharing D's today. I think I better get it in writing in case my mind goes. It tends to do this lately. (I'm blaming it on revamping our house, redoing the newlywed house, a wedding in the backyard, a graduation, birthdays....all moms understand... thank you very much!)


Excitement of a 3rd Daughter (little Cindy Brady) to Come!

I was teaching my second year of school. I was determined to work up until the day she came and I did. We left for the hospital after contractions made it clear that was the smart thing to do, and my husband had a deep fear of delivering on the highway. #3 was basically delivered in the hallway on the way to the delivery room and he DID NOT want to do that again. I had and have been with this doctor since I was 18 and I dearly love him. He was unable to deliver the first 3 papooses due to scheduling, out of town, etcetcetc. He knew this Momma was not happy about that and he promised he would bring this little pumpkin into the world even if we had to induce so he could be there. Well, they broke the water and said "it won't be long and Dr. S is on his way".

H E L L O!!!!!!! NOT QUICK ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!

Nurse got Dr. B on standby who was standing outside the door scrubbed and ready (I think he was too scared to come in as he had been warned that NO ONE but Dr. S was going to go below the belt and touch this one.) When mother nature determined that the baby was going to drop to the floor if we didn't get Dr. B in here, I succumbed to the disappointment and truth that I had no choice. But I was encouraged, "Dr. S is on the interstate caught in traffic and we're on the phone with him!" And how do you tell a full term baby that?
Dr. B was sweet as can be and said he understood how I felt and to just not look at him. Well, to be as tactful as I can....he basically delivered her head and was cleaning her airway as the door BURST open and in rushed Dr. S to the rescue!!!!!!!!!!!! They literally switched places mid...ummmmm PUSH..... and he delivered the body (or something like that). YEA!!! He smiled, I smiled and he knew I loved him dearly!! So we always recall that story at my yearly visit and he knows how grateful I am. He gets the credit in my mind!!
So....HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my baby. She is now the one at home that gets to hear, experience, live through, endure, share all my heartaches, frustrations, joys, weak moments, tense moments, memory lapse moments. I think her frequent comment to me is "Remember Mom, I just told you that!" or "You just asked me that Mom." Oh well, it is what it is!!!

She's my beauty shop girl, pedicure girl, make up girl to her momma. She spoils me !!

Here's my top 10 traits about her:
10. She always sees the good in situations...."Mom I know you like your cotton underwear but they are showing out the top of your jeans, just pull your shirt down farther!"

9. She is so kind hearted and helpful to others....buckles the Grandmas seatbelts when they get in the vehicles.

8. Smiles smiles smiles!!! She can light up a room with her smile...well she better after enduring palette separator, mara appliance, and braces braces braces for over 2 years and rarely complained.

7. Loves her sisters, brother, momma, daddy, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. They just make her world the best.

6. Is quite the little make up artist. She always looks very conservative but can turn a blah face into a work of art. Check her blog out here.

5. Spoils the animals terribly. She loves Miss Olive Boo so much and they have this weird thing about understanding each other.

4. Is learning to accept change with a positive attitude!! Not the money kind, the "let's try something different" kind. Yea, we've been through a few breakdowns with that one.... ie...taking down the rails off the porch, changing paint color in any room, Lacey getting married, trading in a mini van.

3. She can cheer, dance, and act like nobody's business!! She can bust a move....I wonder if she got that from her momma or daddy...come to the wedding reception to cast your vote.

2. Has been the perfect daughter to her parents..now she has her share of mistakes and faults don't get me wrong ... but is so respectful and kind and loving and obedient toward us!! She's still a hugger and kisser and not embarrassed by it! The 2's were a great year...thought we had it made...and then whoa baby...the 3's came and I didn't who this little person was that was living in our house. Remind me to post the tale about she and her Uncle Doc and Auntie J "Just Give Her Whatever She Wants!"

1. She is a Christian young lady who decided to live her life for God and Jesus Christ. The day she was baptized by her daddy was the happiest day for her parents. The day she accepted Jesus as her Savior and wanted to go to heaven was the best choice she ever made. We are so thankful and grateful that she is God's little girl and that someday we get to give her back to him. She's a loaner right now and we are loving it.
So even though you are another year older and almost as tall as your momma and I'm a little emotional about it...I'm celebrating your birth and 16 years here with us. We love you more than you will ever know.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day

To all those Mommys out there:
Happy Mother's Day! I hope you had a wonderful day with your loved ones. I had a great day and was spoiled and loved more than I deserve. I'm so grateful for my family and all they do for me. They really are my strength and a huge blessing. I thank God for them!! I know if I start talking about my kiddos I'll just end up blubbering and not get this typed. All mommas know what I'm talking about....they know the love of being a mother!



My momma and two of my girls!


My babies and I!






Before I was a Mom I made and ate hot meals.
I had unstained clothing.
I had quiet conversations on the phone.

Before I was a Mom I slept as late as I wanted.
And never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was Mom I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to lullabies.

Before I was a Mom I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom I had never been puked on, pooped on, spit on, peed on, or pinched by tiny fingers.
Before I was a Mom I had complete control of my mind, my thoughts, my body and all my feelings.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a Mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Mom I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was OK.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much......
......before I was a Mom.

...Author Unknown

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Busy as a Bee

Today was one of those "busy as a bee" days. I love those days!! Because tonight I'm exhausted but a good kind ~ the kind where you feel you got something done.
Alarm went off at 6:30 a.m. (and it was Saturday..ugh) R helped me finish up setting up for Garage Sale. It went well and I got rid of some "stuff" - Feel Good #1!
Cleaned up not-sold goodies and ran to Wally World for fertilizer/MORE potting soil/pots/etc. Planted more plants while R worked on newlyweds house and engaged couple worked on "Wedding garden". They did an awesome job...it is beautiful! Well he is graduating with a Landscaping Degree!! Feel Good #2
Worked in the sunshine/cooler temps. Took hoodie off....put hoodie on!! Had a short but GREAT visit with Auntie J and Doc who came to visit Gma and Gpa for Mother's Day. Feel Good #3
Went out to eat for supper with H and R. Feel Good #4
Ready for bed!! REAL FEEL GOOD #5

Isn't God good ? He gives us so much and allows us so much. Blessings, blessings, blessings! Feel Good All the Time



Those are just a few of the treasured moments of my day... Hope you had a enjoyable Saturday. How did you spend your day?
To all the Mommas out there....tomorrow is your day to be celebrated...Enjoy it and spend it with those you love and treasure.










Had to share my cute little wedding guestbook decoration (it's okay...it's not the wedding dress or anything secret!). I got it at Kohls a couple of years ago and when L (check out her blog!) said she was having an outdoor wedding, I thought it would be so festive to use. It's just waiting to take it's place!














And I have begun to get my porch put together for summertime. We sit on it all summer long. Start in the a.m. with coffee and end in the evening with candles lit with many cat naps in between.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Thankful Thursday



Happy Thursday to you all...It's a little late and I'm tired... but am going to post...I've been texting with my girls and if you knew what my texting skills were like, you'd understand why I'm tired. I generally have to retype what I type....and I don't use capitals, numbers very good, spaces are sometimes left out, and alot of times I type the wrong words. I think the girls spend a lot of time deciphering my lingo. To the Mommas out there, how are your texting abilities ?










I read on some blogs that today was National Day of Prayer.
If you are like me, EVERY DAY is prayer day,
"pray without ceasing" ~ 1 Thess. 5:17 ~
is stenciled in my dining room! It was nice to see so many people pass the word around. I appreciated that very much. After all PRAYER is a blessing and a gift and we should accept that gift because God answers them. I am thinking tonight of one of my VERY FAVORITE songs I like to sing at church, or hum to myself when I'm supervising the crazy lunch duty at school. (HA...just a little calming tactic I use! ) Have you heard it? Don't you love the words? Whenever I have a great day, a feel good, sunshiney, happy day....I sometimes think to myself....."And heaven is so much better than even this!!!) Now here we go..... sing with me please!






What A Day That Will Be

There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye.
All is peace forevermore on that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there;
And forever I will be with the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.




Hope you had a great Thursday!!! Friday is only hours a way! :0)


And I'm having a Garage Sale on Saturday! YIKES! Do you ever say to yourself... "What was I thinking?" If I don't....my husband does!